The oxidation of dipropylamine in a confined region of AlPO4-41 and its adsorption for Ni(II) from aqueous solution

AlPO4-41 (structure type AFO) was synthesized using dipropylamine (DPA) as structure directing agent (SDA). Then the as-synthesized AlPO4-41 was oxidized by H2O2, HIO4 and KMnO4, respectively. On the basis of the IR, Raman, TGA/DTA, CHN and 13C NMR spectra data, DPA is incorporated intact in its neutral and protonated form in AFO. DPA restricted in AFO were partly oxidized to saturated hydrocarbons by H2O2 while hydrocarbons and other amines by HIO4. When the oxidant is KMnO4, the products are hydrocarbons, other amines and ethyleneimine. Removal of Ni (II) by modified samples was investigated in batch procedure, and it was found that the oxidized products have high adsorption capacity for Ni (II). The effects of various parameters such as sorbent content, contact time, concentration of nickel solution and pH were discussed. What's more, the oxidized samples could be regenerated at least five times in saturated NaCl solution without any loss. This work is a new opportunity for further research into molecular reactions on the organic-inorganic hybrid material. [Display omitted] •The oxidation of DPA by H2O2, HIO4 and KMnO4 in AFO was investigated.•The oxidation products were saturated hydrocarbons by H2O2.•The oxidation products were saturated hydrocarbons and other amines by HIO4.•The oxidation products were hydrocarbons, other amines and ethyleneimine by KMnO4.•The oxidized products have high adsorption capacity for Ni(II).